After putting Subaru’s new Outback through the ultimate test, some very impressive figures are returned; it’s just a shame that one particular figure undoes all the hard work.

If you need to function around the countryside, and many people do, then durability, flexibility and a hardy work ethic are some of the qualities you may need to get about. And similarly, if you need your car to function alongside you, then the same qualities are even more desirable. The outgoing Outlander already had a fantastic reputation for being the perfect, gritty, battle scarred partner that regularly punched above its weight, which is why it became such a countryside favourite. So, it will be interesting to see if the new, glitzier version is still as reliable as the seasons.

My initiation started in snowy Norfolk the day the recent snowstorms brought the county to a standstill, but fortunately, I was far from standing still. Whilst stranded motorists were stuck on un-gritted dual carriageways, I decided to hit the B-roads and I have to admit that it was one of the most exhilarating drives I’ve ever had. In near white out conditions, with little knowledge of location or direction, the Outback took control by adopting Chemmy Alcott-like characteristics through the snow; indefatigably blasting its way through drifts and snow squall with an unbelievable swagger.

The Outback also looked magnificent cutting swathes through the ice-lands of frozen Norfolk, especially when the usually basic and uncomplicated lines were hanging with newly formed icicles. Internally, the comfortable seating position and classy layout suggested that I might be closer to my actual lounge than the road signs advised.

I should mention that during the whole day, I didn’t see another Outback at all. This really cheered me up, because passing the same old 4x4’s gets slightly depressing. Subaru have sold about 3,500 cars so far this year, and to put that in perspective, Land Rover are nearer 35,000, but please don’t let that put you off. Whereas most Land Rover owners belong to exclusive golf clubs, owning a Subaru puts you in an even more exclusive club.

The day had clearly covered the Subaru in glory and by the home straight I was warm and covered in lather. As far as I was concerned, I had uncovered a safe, reliable and practical car that was tough, good-looking and rare to boot and knowing that cars like this don’t arrive too often, I was keen to begin my write-up.

That was until I’d looked at the price. At £27,995 it’s simply too expensive.

Everyone knows that Subaru are the satisfyingly cheap alternative to the more expensive alternative - if you get what I mean. To put this in perspective, my 4WD Subaru Outback is £27,995 but a 4WD Volvo XC60, which is streets ahead in my opinion, is only £29,995. So I’m sorry Subaru, brilliant as the Outback is, people do value and I’m afraid the new Subaru doesn’t. Shame.